US4020201A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Artificial tree
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1976-02-11
•
Granted: 1977-04-26
•
Expires: 1996-02-11
Abstract
Abstract An artificial tree, such as a Christmas tree, including two hollow trunk members sleeved together and having removable limb sockets angularly disposed in said members. A lighting system comprising wiring is arranged within the trunk members and wiring sockets are disposed within openings in the trunk members adjacent the limb sockets and retained therein by spring clip members arranged in the trunk members opposite to the wiring sockets. Limbs extend outwardly from the limb sockets whereby bulbs and wiring extending from the wiring sockets may be secured thereto. Top and bottom caps are provided on the trunk members and the latter is sleeved over a supporting base.
Inventors
- 👤 Jeanne Marylyn Miller
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 08:19
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47G; A47G33/00; A47G33/04; A47G33/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
211 words
An artificial tree structure comprising vertically extending hollow tubular trunk members coupled together, a base for said members, said trunk members having a plurality of spaced apertures therein, some of said apertures being oppositely arranged, first socket means in some of said apertures, limb members removably sleeved in said first socket means said first socket means is tubular and flexible and formed with spaced annular flanges thereon for flexibly engaging the periphery of some of said apertures, second electrical socket means having a flat base arranged in others of said apertures, spring clip means having a bowed inwardly extending base portion in apertures opposite those having said second socket means therein and said bowed base engaging and pressing against said flat base for retaining said second socket means in said trunk members, said bowed portion terminates in outwardly and oppositely bent ends for engaging the periphery of said apertures, main double conductor wires extending within said trunk members and connected to said second socket means and to a source of current, double strings of light sockets with bulbs therein and having a male plug thereon, said plugs being adapted to be connected to at least some of said second socket means and arranged on limbs adjacent to said second socket means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
211 words
An artificial tree structure comprising vertically extending hollow tubular trunk members coupled together, a base for said members, said trunk members having a plurality of spaced apertures therein, some of said apertures being oppositely arranged, first socket means in some of said apertures, limb members removably sleeved in said first socket means said first socket means is tubular and flexible and formed with spaced annular flanges thereon for flexibly engaging the periphery of some of said apertures, second electrical socket means having a flat base arranged in others of said apertures, spring clip means having a bowed inwardly extending base portion in apertures opposite those having said second socket means therein and said bowed base engaging and pressing against said flat base for retaining said second socket means in said trunk members, said bowed portion terminates in outwardly and oppositely bent ends for engaging the periphery of said apertures, main double conductor wires extending within said trunk members and connected to said second socket means and to a source of current, double strings of light sockets with bulbs therein and having a male plug thereon, said plugs being adapted to be connected to at least some of said second socket means and arranged on limbs adjacent to said second socket means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The tree structure of claim 1 including an upper and lower trunk members, said lower trunk member having a flared upper end whereby said upper member is removably sleeved therein.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The tree structure of claim 1 wherein said second socket means has an enlarged tubular base disposed in said trunk members.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
The tree structure of claim 3 wherein said enlarged tubular base has a reduced end portion interfitting with said apertures and engageable with the inner wall of said trunk members.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The tree structure of claim 4 wherein said reduced end portion has a slotted plate on the outer end thereof whereby the male plug on said strings of light sockets and bulbs are connectable thereto.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US1677972A
Cited
US1861151A
Cited
US2095648A
Cited
US2188529A
Cited
US2911748A
Cited
US3050891A
Cited
US3603780A
Cited
US3735117A
Cited
US3819459A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-04-25 | 1980-10-25 | 1981-04-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-04-25 | 1984-10-25 | 1985-04-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-04-25 | 1988-10-25 | 1989-04-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |